Senior Procurement Specialist

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus.

Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range

Pay Range $80,000 - $90,000

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level S5

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Exempt

Hours

Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type

Job Type Full-time

Unionized Position Code Not Applicable

Job Description

The Senior Procurement Specialist is responsible for managing supplier relationships, driving cost savings, and supporting the University’s procurement strategy. This position serves as a trusted collaborator to campus stakeholders by providing expertise in procurement fundamentals, commodity management, and supplier performance management, while ensuring compliance with University policies and applicable regulations.

This role plays a key part in advancing Procurement’s transformation through automation, data analytics, forecasting, supplier optimization, and the effective use of emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• 8-10 years of progressively responsible procurement and supply chain experience.
• Six Sigma and/or Kaizen certification
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple high dollar commodities simultaneously.
• Experience with strategic procurement, supplier management, spend analysis, and process improvement.

Skills and Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of procurement principles, commodity management, supplier relationship management, and supply chain best practices.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and demonstrated ability to analyze complex procurement and financial data.
• Proficiency with ERP /procurement systems such as Oracle or SAP , as well as PowerPoint and Smartsheet.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize AI-enabled and analytical tools to improve efficiency, analysis, and decision-making.
• Strong financial analysis, forecasting, benchmarking, and spend analysis skills.
• Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and supplier performance management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple commodities, projects, and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage suppliers and stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements and support procurement technology and automation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Proactively manage multiple commodity portfolios simultaneously, navigating easily across categories while identifying opportunities for cost reduction, operational efficiencies, supplier optimization, and value creation.
• Apply sound procurement fundamentals and best practices consistently across a wide range of commodities and service categories such as, but not limited to;
  Athletics, Construction, Facilities, IT Hardware and Software, Marketing, Operations and Research
• Conduct market research, benchmarking, and supplier analysis to support procurement decisions.
• Monitor market trends, supply chain risks, pricing fluctuations, and inflationary impacts that may affect University operations.
• Develop mitigation strategies to reduce supply chain disruptions.
• Multi-task effectively across concurrent procurement activities and shifting…